The Use of Fluorescence Spectrometry Combined with Statistical Tools to Determine the Botanical Origin of Honeys

At a time when the botanical origin of honey is being increasingly falsified, there is a need to find a quick, cheap and simple method of identifying its origin. Therefore, the aim of our work was to show that fluorescence spectrometry, together with statistical analysis, can be such a method. In total, 108 representative samples with 10 different botanic origins (9 unifloral and 1 multifloral), obtained in 2020-2022 from local apiaries, were analyzed. The fluorescence spectra of those samples were determined using a F-7000 Hitachi fluorescence spectrophotometer, Tokyo, Japan. It is shown that each honey variety produces a unique emission spectrum, which allows for the determination of its botanical origin. Taking into account the difficulties in analyzing these spectra, it was found that the most information regarding botanical differences and their identification is provided by synchronous cross-sections of these spectra obtained at Δλ = 100 nm. In addition, this analysis was supported by discriminant and canonical analysis, which allowed for the creation of mathematical models, allowing for the correct classification of each type of honey (except dandelion) with an accuracy of over 80%. The application of the method is universal (in accordance with the methodology described in this paper), but its use requires the creation of fluorescence spectral matrices (EEG) characteristic of a given geographical and botanical origin.